MONROE, La. (AP) – Poultry producers in Northeastern Louisiana have been monitoring the bird flu outbreak in the Midwest.

The News Star (http://tnsne.ws/1ECDUJ2) reports that although no cases have been reported in Louisiana, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the virus Monday in more than six flocks in Iowa, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

No human infections with the virus have been detected.

USDA Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. John Clifford says that it’s not entirely clear how the virus gets into commercial barns and that officials are exploring all possibilities in an effort to identify and eliminate pathways.

The virus is carried by more than 100 species of wild birds and can be left behind by feces and feathers.